Article Summary –
The Florida Legislature has approved a $117.5 billion 2024-2025 budget plan, designating more than $346 million under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for home efficiency and electrification/appliance rebates. These federal funds are intended to encourage the installation of higher-efficiency HVAC systems and energy-saving home upgrades. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who vetoed funding for these rebates last year, must decide whether to accept the federal dollars for the next fiscal year starting in July.
Florida’s Potential Clean Energy Future Under the Inflation Reduction Act
“The Inflation Reduction Act empowers working people to afford clean energy transitions,” asserts Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-Fla. Florida residents may soon avail federal rebates for installing high-efficiency HVAC systems and enhancing home energy efficiency.
The $117.5 billion budget plan for 2024-2025 approved by the Florida Legislature on March 8, includes the state’s allotment under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — over $346 million for IRA’s Home Efficiency Rebates, and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. The decision to utilize this funding lies in the hands of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, marking the state’s future in energy conservation.
Addressing the IRA rebate funding, Gov. DeSantis’ spokeswoman, Julia Friedland, states, “The governor will review each specific appropriation under the 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act and issue his final action following a detailed review.”
In the IRA program, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates comprise $4.5 billion, offering consumer payments for high-efficiency HVAC appliances, including $8,000 for a heat pump. Additionally, the rebates cover electrical upgrades required to accommodate the appliances. The Home Efficiency Rebates totaling $4.3 billion, fund installations of high-efficiency HVAC equipment and home upgrades like insulation and new windows that ensure energy savings.
The rebates target households with up to 150% of the official median income for electrification and appliance rebates, while home efficiency rebates are available to all income levels. The U.S. Department of Energy supervises the rebate programs, while states and U.S. territories handle daily administration.
Only five states have sought rebate funding, and states have until Friday, August 16 to apply. Unapplied states’ allocations will be redistributed among participating states. However, five members of Congress aim to place control of rebate programs in the hands of local communities if state governments reject the funding.
House Resolution 6536, introduced by U.S. Reps. Frost, Darren Soto, Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, and Jennifer González Colón, grants local governments the authority to receive grants for both rebate programs in states not carrying out the program. Frost states, “Governor DeSantis’ decision to block federal dollars to help Florida adopt clean energy indicates we cannot rely on state leadership to combat the climate crisis.” The bill now lies with the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, within a subcommittee on energy, climate, and grid security.
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